Top 7 Solar Myths…Busted!

January 26, 2019

Common solar myths: “Solar is expensive!”, “Solar is free!”, “Solar panels maintenance is high!”, and “Solar decreases property value!” This week’s livestream busts some of the popular solar myths and correctly directs you towards clean energy.  

YES/NO – NO

Description:

• This is the most common misconception that is associated with solar. Most people think solar is a luxury product. It is not true at all. Many studies reveal that the cost of solar has dropped substantially over the last decade.
• The average gross cost of a solar system is $25,000. If you are renting power from the utility and paying a monthly bill of $100 or $150 per month, with solar, you are simply replacing your utility bill with solar power that you own at a lower price than your monthly bill of $100-150.
• With various financing options, like a loan or lease, you can have a solar system on your roof and a decreased electric bill.

Fact – With the right financing option, your solar bill is inexpensive compared to your monthly electric bill. For reference, in California, the average system’s cost per kilowatt hour is two-thirds of an electric bill.

YES/NO – No

Description:

• Solar is considered a home improvement project and like many other home improvement assets that you get for your property, you have to pay for solar too.
• By selecting the correct finance option for your system, you could own a solar system at zero down payment or zero down lease.

Fact: Solar isn’t free. Like any other home improvement assets, you have to pay a certain amount for solar.

YES/NO – No

Description:

• As the solar system has no moving parts, the maintenance is relatively non-existent.
• When you live in extremely dry climates with very infrequent rainfall, occasionally rinsing your panel is sufficient maintenance.
• If your solar system has physical damage, then you will get covered by your warranty.

Fact: Solar panels requires no maintenance. A simple water rinse is enough to wipe the dust and debris that piles upon your system.

YES/No – No

Description:

• Leasing is a very popular option as solar technology is still relatively new to the market. For someone who wants to have a solar system and is not aware of the financing options, leasing is an option to consider. However, people now have a better understanding of solar technology and the various incentives they can claim when owning their own systems.
• Tax credits are not available if you decide to lease your system.

Fact: Leasing is not the best option especially when you are qualified for tax credits.

YES/NO – Depends

Description:

• In most cases, you wouldn’t be able to send energy back to the grid when the grid is down.
• Some might wonder – “Why would I produce my own power if I can’t use it when the place where I’m getting power from is already dead?” In such scenarios, batteries, inverters, and critical load panels can help you use solar energy produced by your system during the day and draw electricity from the grid when the sun is gone.

Fact: It depends on the type of equipment you use.

YES/NO – No

Description:

• The Berkeley Lab conducted a study on solar homes to confirm that solar panels actually increases the home’s property value. Homes with solar panels sell faster than homes without panels.
• Also, warranties in most cases can be transferred to the new homeowners which makes homes with solar more attractive.

Fact: Solar panels can increase your property value.

YES/NO – No

Description:

• Any developments in the next five years cannot compensate the savings that you would have earned by going solar right now.
• Waiting to have your panel installed comes with the unknown of tax credit eligibility.

Fact: If you wish you wait to install your panels, you are postponing your potential savings. Because solar technology is now at its best. Paired with highly effective solar panels and attractive incentives, the best time to go solar is now.